Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed a gun bill backed by the NRA on Thursday, saying it would have put guns in the hands of stalkers and domestic abusers.

"We simply can’t and won’t take the chance of exposing domestic abuse victims to additional violence or intimidation," said Snyder, who broke with his fellow Republicans in the state legislature on this issue.

On Jan. 6, The Detroit Free Press highlighted a provision in Senate Bill 789 that would have guaranteed that those named in a restraining order (formally known as a personal protection order, or PPO) could obtain a concealed pistol license. Under current Michigan law, a restraining order bars its subjects from obtaining such a license for the duration of that order. All such orders must be reviewed and granted by a judge.

"There are certainly some reforms that can improve the way Michigan issues concealed pistol licenses and we support the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, but it’s crucial that we leave in place protections for people who already have endured challenges and abuse," Snyder explained.

The NRA said that protections would remain in place for domestic abuse victims under the bill, and encouraged supporters to lobby the governor's office directly on Tuesday.

"Simply put, if an individual is a domestic-abuser and has been charged or convicted as such, or a judge has made a determination that the individual should not be allowed to purchase or possess a firearm, that person will be prohibited from receiving a concealed pistol license under [the bill]," the NRA said earlier this week, CNN reported.

According to AmmoLand.com, if SB 789 had passed, those filing restraining orders would be required to check a box on the relevant form specifically asking the judge to bar their harasser from purchasing or possessing a firearm.

Gov. Snyder just began his second term of office, and as such is not eligible to run for re-election. He is a possible contender for the 2016 presidential election.